What are the 5 common traps you should avoid when renting a car in Costa Rica

Before renting a car, it’s a good idea to read up on the rental policies. That way you won’t get whacked with an unexpected fine or have unrealistic ideas about what the deposit process is like. However we want to call your attention to a few wrong practises or procedures common in Costa Rica, that will make you feel as a victim of the rental company.

1) Very attractive price when reserving online that will turn out even the double once you pick up your vehicle.

The biggest car rental company will let you reserve very low prices online per day with ’insurance included ’. But once here they will let you know that not all the mandatory insurance are included (CDW and TPL) . The lower price you can find during rainy season is $40 per day for a little 4*2 vehicle and at least $50,00 for a basic 4*4. It is sad really, that some vehicle rental agencies not only lure travellers in with impractical low prices but that they purposely do so knowing full well that travellers will need to pay more (either for one or two portions of “mandatory” insurance) than they publicly state. We see it over and over again – a vehicle rental agency advertises that mandatory insurance is included (leading travellers to believe that no additional insurance is required) when actuality only partial insurance has been .

2) Check your prices, Euros or Dollar ?

Always check if the price is shown in $ or Euros. Lots of car rental will give you the prices in Euro so they look more competitive

3) Accesories

Once again the rental company will sell you a car for a small price to than doble the price of any accesory you would like to add to your rental. E.g. Make sure that the price of the GPS they’re offering you now is the same that the one you saw online.

4) 24/7 assistance very expensive

Even if you think you have the full cover, read through all the lines of the contract. Some international car rental would charge you extra money in case of accident or even if the car broke down. Check all the terms before sign any contract to do not have any surprise.

5) Drop off

Upon picking up a rental vehicle you will be asked to walk around the vehicle (with the rental agent) in order to take note of any scratches, or dings present on the vehicle prior to you assuming responsibility for it (the agent will make a note of any reported damage on the rental agreement) . Make sure to look everywhere and make sure the agent will take note of every little details . In case you will be responsible for little scratches or damage we suggest you to fix it youself in one of the local coachbuilder, they will may charge you a little more since you’re a foreigner but it will always be less expensive than the bill the rental company will present you.

Costa Rica Campervan may advertises prices that upon first glance appear to be more expensive than other rental agencies rates. This is because we don’t have hidden fees and we quote insurance charges upfront as many other agencies choose not to do.